The Hunter River Times

Jayden Martin has had a memorable journey since he last competed in his hometown.

The 14-year-old made headlines earlier this year when securing his first Australian PBR senior mini-bull riding buckle to cap off his first year in the national junior academy.

He backed up his national title in January when competing in the ABCRA national finals, covering three bulls to receive the highest point score for his age division.

Since then he has competed in three ABCRA events, riding all three of his bulls, and two Australian PBR events with victories at both Scone and Coonamble.

“I hope to continue to try and get better, I also travelled to Inverell to compete in my first NRA event and won the under-15s mini bull division that night,” Martin told The Hunter River Times.

“At the same event I stepped up an age division and attempted to ride my first ever under-18s junior bull.”

Now Martin hopes to claim another mini bulls win before his home crowd, having finished equal first at the 2021 Singleton Rodeo.

“It felt really great to ride in my hometown rodeo and was really special to get a hometown win in front of all of my family and friends,” he added.

“I think Singleton Rodeo is important to our region as it gives our locals the chance to showcase their talent in their hometown and allow people to come and see what a great town we have.

“In Singleton we have so many talented Rodeo athletes, past, present as well as up and coming.

“There is a lot of history and a lot people who work very hard to put on a great event.”

Those unable to attend the Singleton Rodeo will have an opportunity to see Martin compete in the ABCRA’s upcoming events at Dungog (April 8), Scone (April 28) and Branxton (May 20).

He also hopes to maintain his number one Australian PBR ranking when competing in Scone (April 2), Toowoomba (April 15) and Newcastle (April 22) where he will represent the first ever NSW line-up in the inaugural Mini Bull State of Origin.

Yet his focus remains on Singleton for now.

“It’s great to have the rodeo finally back on, I encourage everyone to come and support the rodeo and all the competitors and myself, and then support the local businesses that sponsor the rodeo too,” he concluded.

“I would like to thank my major sponsor G-Four clothing brand and my local supporters Kirkwoods Produce and Singleton Plumbing.”